Los Angeles, July 21 (DPA) Sony is to release a movie based on more than 80 hours of footage filmed during Michael Jackson's final days as he was rehearsing for his comeback concerts in London, trade paper Variety reported Monday.

Sony is expected to pay over $50 million for the rights to the footage, which was offered by concert promoter AEG to Hollywood film studios over the weekend.

The film will include several videos that were shot and meant to be shown during the concerts, including an alternative version of Jackson's most famous video, 'Thriller'.

'High School Musical' director Kenny Ortega, who shot the rehearsal footage, is expected to become the director of the film, which could be released before year's end.